Guess Who?

Very late post today (or very early depending on your timezone!)

Onto the post! I want to give you all heads-up that I've got a fabulous author interview planned to go up this week. But who is it with? Here's a clue:

The letter

K

What? You want another clue? Okay, you twisted my arm. It's:

The letter

C

And the third clue - these letters don't necessarily have anything to do with the name(s) of the interview subject(s). *grin*

Have fun guessing! All will be revealed when I check back in tomorrow!

Long Weekend

How's the long weekend going for everyone? I've been working on Angels' Blood, but I did manage to watch a dvd - No Reservations. I thought it was a sweet, romantic movie. Anyone else seen it?

And another very important question - how many Easter eggs did you eat over the past few days?!

Hostage to Pleasure & Preorders

Good news! Hostage to Pleasure is now available for pre-order on Amazon (thanks to Bel for the heads-up!).

I thought we'd talk preorder lists today - what books are you all waiting for in the coming months?

Sarah Addison Allen - Garden Spells

First, the blurb:

Welcome to Bascom, North Carolina, where everyone has a story to tell about the Waverley women. The old house that’s been in the family for generations, the walled garden that mysteriously blooms year round, the rumors and innuendoes of dangerous loves and tragic passions. Eccentric, reclusive, or renegade, there’s not one that wasn’t somehow touched by magic.

As the town’s successful caterer, Claire has always clung closely to the Waverleys’ roots in their enchanted soil, tending the family garden from which she makes her much sought-after delicacies. She has everything she thinks she needs – until one day she finds a vine of ivy creeping into her garden and knows that everything is about to change.

Then her prodigal sister Sydney arrives with her five-year-old daughter and a dark secret she hopes to keep well hidden. And suddenly Claire’s carefully tended life is about to run gloriously out of control …

From Sarah Addison Allen's Website

This is such a lovely book - with a beautiful sense of magic. I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked it up, but I couldn't put it down. At heart, it's about two sisters, but there's a wonderful romance (or two) woven into the story, and everything's dusted with that shimmering element of magic and enchantment. It's almost like a fairytale, but one grounded in the real world.

Have any of you read it? Thoughts? How about recommendations for other books with that same sense of magic and wonder?

Reader Interview: Darla

It's reader interview time! Today's interviewee is Darla, and she's one smart cookie - check out her answer to the desert island question!

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Darla, and I've been reading romance since I was 16, starting with Shanna by Kathleen Woodiwiss. I've been in my own wonderful romance for 28 years to a man that knows the ropes! Wink Wink...Gotta love it. BG! I'm a mother of 3, all adults now, and Grandmother of 2.

2. Are you a hoarder or do you give your books away?

I have always been a hoarder and have over 2,000 books at home...but lately since I am seriously running out of room I'm going through my books and donating and giving some of them away. If I had my druthers I'd just do what George Carlin says and "Get a bigger place for my stuff!"

3. What author might tempt you into turning stalker?

For me this is by far the hardest question. There are so many talented authors I've read, that have given me hours of enjoyment, but I can't name just one...I'll have to wait until the RWA conference comes back my way and stalk ALL of them!

4. How susceptible are you to chocolate?

VERY! Have to have it with me at all times...there may be an emergency where its needed!

5. Favorite book? Why?

Knight of a Trillion Stars by Dara Joy. When I picked this book up I didn't really know what I was getting into. For me reading this book is like sitting in a movie theatre. This was before there were very many paranormal reads. It just knocked my socks right off and from then on I was hooked and still hope that someday she may be able to finish the series.

6. If you knew you were going to be stuck on a desert island, what three things would you take with you?

Books, books & books...because I can hunt for food and comforts and no one said there wouldn't be a man already there, so I choose to believe that Hugh Jackman will be waiting for me!

7. What did you eat for breakfast?

Granola with yogert, nuts, banana, flax.

8. How many books in your current to-be-read pile?

Over 300...!

9. Describe your idea of a perfect hero.

Just someone who is there when you need him...that and a great bod don't hurt.

Extra reader submitted question(s)! Answer at will :)

* Which character in a book do you relate most with?

Depends on the mood I'm in at the time!

* Where do you live?

Emporia KS

* So what would people think was a perfect heroine??

I don't know, each person is different is the things they look at. Me I like those that are decisive, easy to be around, and real, as in not trying to be something you're not or fake.

* If you were in the Psy/Changeling World, what side would you be in?

Changeling, I'd love to be able to shift into a big cat!

Research & Questions

I've been doing research today - you find out the strangest things that you might never use, but man it's interesting.

Also, I know I've missed questions people have asked in previous posts, so if you asked something and I missed it, hit me with it in the comments to this post.

Weekly Catchup

Google Reader refuses to work for me anymore so I'm hideously behind on all my blog reading - however I've managed to pick up a few cool links for you.

First up, huge congratulations to PC & Kristin Cast - Chosen just hit #2 on the NYT list!!!! Can we give a big woohoo!!!!

Also, a heads up that Friday (U.S. time) is the first anniversary of PW's Beyond Her Book blog - and Barbara Vey is throwing a mega-party, complete with all sorts of cool stuff. So don't forget to swing by.

Magic Bites author Ilona Andrews is answering questions over at the RT Forum, so go pester her, ask her any questions you have about the Kate Daniels' books!

And you guys must go read about the DABWAHA - this is going to be a tournament like no other!

Okay, that's all I got. What's your news? Catch me up people!

Interview: Patricia Briggs

I'm absolutely delighted to present an interview with the wonderful Patricia Briggs! Her #1 NYT Bestselling (woohoo!!) Mercy Thompson series is one of my absolute favorite new series - if you haven't read these books, you're missing out!!

The series order is Moon Called, Blood Bound & Iron Kissed. However, there's also a fantastic novella "Alpha and Omega" in the On The Prowl anthology. Follow the link for excerpts.

And now, onto the interview that Patricia was gracious enough to agree to despite deadlines!

1. I have a girl-crush on you and your writing. Please tell me that doesn't disturb you so I can continue to adore you from afar.

Adoration is always acceptable :) When it is mutual it is more fun *grin*

2. I know you have a book (Cry Wolf) coming out this year featuring Anna and Charles from your brilliant short story in the On the Prowl anthology - I've heard that you originally only planned to write a novella about them. Did the fact that you'd done a novella make it harder or easier to write a full-length book about them?

A lot harder. First off, I wouldn't have made Charles a Flathead (one of the Salish people) though that was the most logical tribe for his mother to have come from -- there is a lot more information out there on other Native peoples. Also, Charles is more powerful than I usually prefer my characters to be -- it makes challenging them . . . well, more er challenging. Thirdly, I would never have left them where I did. The first chapter of Cry Wolf has to begin in Chicago -- and explain a lot of what happened in "Alpha and Omega". It all contributed to the very difficult time I had writing Cry Wolf. I like the final version, my editor liked the final version (though she maintains that the version before that wasn't bad), and one of my copyeditors wrote to tell me he liked it too.

3. Do you think you'll write more novellas set in Mercy's world?

Truthfully, I am not a short story writer -- and for me the novella is a special hell for writers. All the work of a book -- and you have to keep cutting the good stuff. It took me as long to write "Alpha and Omega" as it did "Raven's Strike" -- which is my longest book to date.

I do have a short story in Tony P. Kelner and Charlaine Harris's Wolfsbane and Mistletoe which should be out around Christmas next year. It's about David Christiansen, Adam's mercenary buddy from Moon Called.

I'll also have a short story in Strange Brew edited by P N Elrod about witches. I assume it will be out sometime in 2009. That brings my total short fiction ever written up to six. Five are published -- and one will never, ever see the light of day as it was not only horribly derivative, but a shaggy dog story as well.

4. What do you most love about the world you've created in the Mercy Thompson series?

I love to play in the "real" world. To take things I see in politics, in society and say, "what if". I derive a terrific pleasure from using real places -- "Ah hah," I mutter "that's somewhere I don't have to make up from scratch!"

5. Do you think there really are things that go bump in the night?

Absolutely. I'm not sure about werewolves -- though one of my husband's coworkers claimed that not too long before Mike (my husband) started working there, some guy broke into the building (six story brick 1920's gorgeous building) setting off the alarms. When the police got there he was crouched on the ledge outside the second story windows. They brought him in and he claimed he was running away from werewolves. I'm also not sure about vampires (other than the humans who have convinced themselves) But ghosts and ghoulies? Absolutely. In fact I have six, six foot tall, thousand pound hairy beasts that guard my home . . . all right, they're horses -- but Speck chases off any coyotes, deer or antelopes who trespass.

6. Can you tune up a VW?

Nope. But I've worked as the tool handler for my husband as he worked his arcane craft. We've had three Jettas, two Vanagons, a Eurovan, and a Passat -- as well as a pair of Opel GT's (imported by Buick, built in Germany by Opel). Most of the mechanic stuff are things that have happened to us -- or friends.

7. A couple of writerly questions because I'm nosy: How do you write - do you plot out the books or do you just run with it?

I just run with it. Though I've had to be a little more disciplined as my timelines for getting books finished has diminished. It's awfully easy to write yourself into a corner and have to delete 100 pages when you don't have an outline.

8. How do you keep track of your world? Do you have a series bible?

I have lovely people who do all the work for me. I was just sitting down (after Iron Kissed) to pull apart the three books and write everything down -- when my forum people got together and posted it to the web. So if you're curious, you can go to Hurog.com and head to the Forums and look for the Mercy's World Topic. They have saved me thousands (okay, hundreds) of hours of work. Bless 'em.

9. Were you suprised at the wonderful reader reaction to the Mercy Thompson series?

Absolutely. We (my editor and I) knew it would sell better than the straight fantasy -- because Urban Fantasy was just selling better in general. When Moon Called sold out the first week and then made it to the USA Today list, we were over the moon. (pun intended) When Blood Bound hit the New York Times we were flabergasted. When Iron Kissed made it to #1 mass market . . . well, I'm not sure I really believe it yet. I keep waiting for someone to say, "Wait, we made a mistake!" but so far so good.

10. I don't think it's spoilerish to say that Mercy chooses between Adam & Samuel in Iron Kissed. Did you always know which one she'd choose?

N: I'm whiting out the answer for those of you who haven't read Iron Kissed and want to be kept in suspense! To read the answer, just select the text either with your mouse, or using SHIFT and the arrow keys.

No. Not until I started wondering why they hadn't killed each other in Blood Bound -- and why Samuel wasn't being pushy. I knew it had to be Samuel who was running the show -- as the most dominant he determines how he and Adam interact. And the only reason I could come up with was that he wasn't really, really in love with Mercy that way anymore. Mercy loves Samuel -- but not that way -- though if Adam hadn't been around . . . Anyway, I knew when I started Iron Kissed, but I didn't expect it to resolve when it did.

11. Can you give us a hint of what you have coming up for Mercy? Tell me you have plans to write lots and lots and lots more books! :-)

The next Mercy book will be Bone Crossed. We're back to dealing with the vampires -- and for those readers who have been complaining about Stefan's absence, he's a major player in this one. After Bone Crossed, I'm under contract for three more Mercy books. We'll see where it goes from there.

12. If you met a werewolf on a lonely night, what would you do?

I have no idea. My stupid reaction to sheer terror is rage. I have no idea why. So doubtless I'd do something really dumb and get myself eaten.

13. And a fun question to end on: What's your vice of choice? Chocolate? Cute men? Wine?

Well, my husband, in addition to being smart and funny, is very cute -- but probably not a vice since he makes me happy and doesn't cost me anything (marriage is a wonderful institution). Horses would probably have to be my vice of choice, since they are demanding, expensive and, like most people bitten with the bug (Mike calls us Pod People) I tend to get obsessive about them.

A huge thanks to Patricia Briggs for the interview!!

Reader Interview: Jen B.

It's Tuesday and time for a reader interview! Today's interviewee is Jen B., a true romantic :-)

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

I'm 29, 30 in February (OMG). A complete and total romantic, I am emotional and my one dream has always been to find true love (cheesy I know). I have a seven year old daughter who is far too clever for her own good. I am American but I live in the UK and have done for eight years now. I love reading, of course, and cannot wait to meet some of my favourite authors. I currently work as a secretary for the director of education at the local authority.

2. Are you a hoarder or do you give your books away?

No No No!! Never give books away...the idea is just absolutely shocking to me! I loaned books to a friend once and stressed until I got them back and then went mad because she'd bent a spine :)

3. What author might tempt you into turning stalker?

How much time have you got??

4. How susceptible are you to chocolate?

Umm...hello...need to breath....need to eat chocolate...life's sustenance

5. Favorite book? Why?

I'm not sure how to answer this...different genres, different likes. I really loved Night Play by Sherrilyn Kenyon when I first read it and have probably read it far too many times but I would say my ultimate favourite book was Pride and Prejudice and while I adore the Colin Firth adaptation I loved the book before then.

6. If you knew you were going to be stuck on a desert island, what three things would you take with you?

My IPod, preferably with a solar battery of some sort so it never stops running
A laptop with undying internet connection and battery so that I can at least download books since the post guy won't be coming to visit
A picture of my daughter to help keep me sane

7. What did you eat for breakfast?

Two slices of toast with butter

8. How many books in your current to-be-read pile?

15 (bought) too many to count on pre-order on amazon

9. Describe your idea of a perfect hero.

I want an alpha male..surprise surprise, who is attractive (to me anyway), protective, honourable, generous, loving but not overly soppy, understanding, funny, likeable, good and adventurous in bed (and out lol), tall - I think that's it...you get the idea anyway :)

Extra reader submitted question(s)! Answer at will :)

* Which character in a book do you relate most with?

Generally the heroine that thinks she'll never get what her heart desires most...just waiting for my happy ending now :)

* Where do you live?

Cleethorpes, UK

* If you were in the Psy/Changeling World, what side would you be in?

I'd have to be a changeling. I could never pass as Psy - far too emotional :)

Monday

I hope you all had/are having a lovely weekend. It's Monday morning here, and I'm planning to dive back into Angels' Blood today.

To kick off the week with a smile, here's a link to a comic strip that hit my funnybone. Oooh, another one. This site is addictive. Don't say I didn't warn you ;-)

Cover!!

I'm stickying this so we can continue to enjoy the gorgeousness!! Scroll down for newer posts.

I love, love, LOVE this cover!! I also think I'm having a hot flush. (Fans self.)

Chosen - PC & Kristin Cast

A heads-up that Chosen has just been released! This is the third book in PC & Kristin Cast's fabulous House of Night Series. (Click on the tags at the bottom of this post to see my posts on the earlier books).

Here's a link to PC Cast's homepage, which has links to blurbs for Marked & Betrayed, the first two books in the series - you definitely have to read this series in order, as the story carries on from book to book. Zoey gets into a lot of trouble in book 3, and there are some major developments in her life (and at the House of Night). I can't wait to see where the Casts take their heroine in book 4!

Any of you reading this series? What about other YA (Young Adult) books? Any recommendations?

Reader Interview: Ashley

It's reader interview time - today's interviewee is fellow chocoloate connoisseur, Ashley!

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am 23 years old female college student on the verge of graduating (finally!) with majors in History and Japanese. I'm passionate about reading, shopping, and celebrity gossip!

2. Are you a hoarder or do you give your books away?

I hoard... but not so much that I'm a fire hazard. I tend to loan a good portion of my books out to my friends though...

3. What author might tempt you into turning stalker?

Stephanie Meyer... true love, high school angst, vampires and werewolves, is there nothing better?!

4. How susceptible are you to chocolate?

Very... especially around exam time. Speaking of which I really should be studying for tomorrow's Japanese final exam...*I type while drinking hot chocolate*

5. Favorite book? Why?

Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier. Why? Because it made me cry and books/ movies never make me cry. Her writing truly sucks in the reader so much that you feel the pain and trials of the main character. It was a really wonderful book!

6. If you knew you were going to be stuck on a desert island, what three things would you take with you?

A cookbook (for cooking fish of course), my laptop (I'm not too sure where I'd get the electricity to keep it running), and my Nintendo DS Lite (A girl's gotta have some fun!)

7. What did you eat for breakfast?

Instant breakfast, the chocolate flavored variety.

8. How many books in your current to-be-read pile?

Zero, I prefer lack of sleep to an unread book!

9. Describe your idea of a perfect hero.

Funny, kind, and confident.

p.s. Think I should add any other questions?

Seen any good movies lately? (I have! Everyone should go see Enchanted!! So wonderful and cute!)

[Nalini: Totally agree! Enchanted was really sweet.]

Extra reader submitted question(s)! Answer at will :)

* Which character in a book do you relate most with?

Possibly Sasha Duncan, I'm a very nurturing person but I am also very reserved in my mannerisms.

* Where do you live?

Georgia!

* If you were in the Psy/Changeling World, what side would you be in?

I'd be a Psy hoping there is a special Changeling out there just for me! ^_^

AAR Reader Poll!!

Best Paranormal - Caressed By Ice
Best Short Story - Beat of Temptation

A big giant thank you to every one of my readers!! You all rock :-)

Follow the link to see the full list.

Linking Goodness

I've just cleared the inbox, so if you asked for a chat transcript, you should have received it. :-)

I've got some links for you today - enjoy!

Chris Howard talks about How Do Mermaids Hear? at Fangs, Fur & Fey

The Book Smugglers has an interview with Julie Garwood (link via KristieJ)

Dear Author is having an Author Promo Open Thread

Tess Gerritsen is discussing dream jobs

And Holly over at Book Binge wants you to write a Haiku on the theme of heroes! Off I go to see if anyone's taken up the challenge :-)

Saturday!!

It's a rainy, windy Saturday here today - perfect weather for staying in. Last night was lovely though, and we had a great dinner in a restaurant out by the beach. There was much cackling and hilarity, and I'm sure all the muscles we used laughing cancelled out the calories from the scrumptious deserts.

And check out the bag on the left - isn't it adorable? The parties to blame are - Nicky, Peta, Barbara, Yvonne & Taryn - the bag is in honor of all the exclamation marks I used in Feb (and continue to use!!). ;-) Is it any wonder I love my friends?

Getting back to work stuff - since the chat transcript link seems determined to play hard to get, if you want the file, just email me at nalinisinghwrites @ gmail.com (without the spaces), and I'll fwd it to you. It'll come as an attachment that opens in Excel.

Have a great weekend everyone!!

Weekly Catchup

It's been a crazy week - and I just realized last night that you all still haven't been able to access the chat transcript. So let's try again. Click this link - and hope it works! (It should ask to open an Excel file).

I'm currently working on Mercy's book and Angels' Blood (not at the same time...exactly). And tonight, I'm looking forward to a dinner with some of my writer buds - where we can talk books, writing, and all sorts of other good stuff. I'm so looking forward to it.

What've you guys been doing? Any plans you want to share?

Reviews & Books

Some good news to start the day - Mine to Possess got a Desert Isle Keeper review from AAR!!!! Clay and Tally's book also got an awesome review from Once Upon A Romance! Woohoo! :-)

Today's busy, busy, so I'm turning the blog over to you guys - how about comments on some great books you've read (recently or in the past), and what you liked about them?

Book Tour: Dead to Me - Anton Strout

Today, I've got a book tour for you from debut author Anton Strout. Check out the details below!

DEAD TO ME
Anton Strout
Feb 26, 2008

Welcome to the Department of Extraordinary Affairs Other Division—New York’s answer to the underfunded world of paranormal investigation. It’s a job caught up in red tape, memos, and office politics, but its becoming par for the course for recent recruit Simon Canderous.

After a life of petty crime and twenty four years of watching his power of psychometry—the ability to divine information solely by touching an object—destroy any chance of a real relationship, he’s joined the forces of Good hoping to gain some control. But when the mysterious ghost of a recently dead woman shows up at the Lovecraft Café, he and his mentor must figure out how she fits into a nefarious plot involving the cultists rights movement, a large wooden fish, and the forces of Darkness crushing on him.

Link to Excerpt

REVIEWS

“Simon Canderous is a reformed thief and a psychometrist. By turns despondent over his luck with the ladies (not always living) and his struggle with the hierarchy of his mysterious department (not always truthful), Simon’s life veers from crisis to crisis. Following Simon’s adventures is like being the pinball in an especially antic game, but it’s well worth the wear and tear.”

- Charlaine Harris, author of the Sookie Stackhouse series, soon to an HBO series True Blood by Alan Ball

"Imagine if Harry Dresden or Angel had to work in a poorly run office dealing with office politics and red tape. It's a terrific debut"

-Cameron Hughes, WWW.CHUD.COM

Link to Anton's Website

Website

I have a quick favor to ask - can you guys follow the link to the Bound By Marriage page on the website, and tell me if you can see both Foreign Covers (at bottom of page)? If not, can you let me know what browser you're using, and which cover you can't see? Thank you!

Website Updates & Reader Interview: Amy B

We've just completed the website updates - including the blurb for Dorian's book. The setup for Hostage to Pleasure actually contains a spoiler for Mine to Possess, so I'd recommend reading the blurb after you read MtP. :) Here's the link to the main page of the website.

I've also got a great reader interview for you - this week's interviewee is Amy B!! :)

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

Hi Nalini. My name is Amy and currently I am an unemployed pharmaceutical engineer, hopefully the unemployed part will be obsolete soon, living in Northern California. What is a pharmaceutical engineer you ask, we are engineers responsible for making sure the equipment used to make drugs are up to standards set by all the different regulatory agencies. I have always loved reading and have always had a book collection. When I was young, my mom would punish me, when I was bad, by taking away my books!

2. Are you a hoarder or do you give your books away?

HOARDER! I seems to justify buying bookcases because they "fill up the empty walls"! Why hang picture when you could use that wall for a bookcase! I do occasionally sort through my books and donate them or take them to the used bookstore to resell/donate. This usually happens when I move. I try to do so every couple of years just keep things manageable (although, each move seems to move me into bigger place, *sigh*)

3. What author might tempt you into turning stalker?

Christine Feehan, because I know that she is geographically close and it wouldn't require relocating. I really like all her books and would love to get the inside scoop on what is going to happen next.

4. How susceptible are you to chocolate?

Depends on the time of the month. Unfortunately for me, excessive chocolate (which for me means more than one piece or one hot chocolate) gives me migraines. *sigh*

5. Favorite book? Why?

Hmm... tough question. It changes nearly weekly. The ones that stick with me are the Chronicles of Narnia and the Lord of the Rings. They are just great fantasy novels and take the reader to new and exciting worlds. Though lately, Caressed by Ice has been keeping me fascinated (I just keep re-reading it!).

6. If you knew you were going to be stuck on a desert island, what three things would you take with you?

Lots and lots of sparkling water, my iPod (along with something the power it using solar power), and a really sexy guy to keep me... uh... company! *smirk*

7. What did you eat for breakfast?

Tea and muffin or scone. Whatever I've baked recently.

8. How many books in your current to-be-read pile?

Currently it's at about 25 and keeps growing.

9. Describe your idea of a perfect hero.

Strong, loyal, sexy guy with a great sense of humor.

* Which character in a book do you relate most with?

Brenna. Having overcome past abuse by confronting it and seeking help has made me a stronger person as a whole. We can only truly heal when we are ready confront it and willing to ask for help when needed.

* If you were in the Psy/Changeling World, what side would you be in?

I would definitely be a changeling, hopefully a tiger :-). I think we have animals inside us and they should be allowed to be free and we should all be more careful with the environment to keep our planet blue and green forever.

Anthology - A Western Winter Wonderland

A super quick post as I'm running out the door.

I picked up A Western Winter Wonderland completely by chance, but it was a happy chance. This is a great anthology.

Here's the blurb with links to authors' sites:

Christmas Day Family by Cheryl St.John

Marvel Henley thought she was content until the new handsome doctor Seth Paxton and his adorable kids crashed into her life! Suddenly she began to yearn for things she had long stopped wishing for....

Fallen Angel by Jenna Kernan

When Abby March is accidentally shot she and her young boy are taken into a rugged stranger’s care. Dark and mysterious, Ford Statler hides a softer side and offers much more than just a Christmas to remember....

One Magic Eve by Pam Crooks

Chet Lattimer is attracted to Sonja Kaplan despite local gossip, and he finds himself asking Sonja for help with his motherless little boy. With Christmas on the horizon and magic in the air, their lives may just change...forever!

I really like Westerns. Anybody else a fan?

Signals & Reading

We're working on the chat transcript link, so watch this space. I tried to copy and paste but it's too hard to read without a lot of reformatting, so fingers crossed we can sort the file link out.

It's pouring with rain here today, howling winds and all. A great day to spend reading! I have plans to make a dent in the tbr pile. :-)

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Transcript Info & Spoiler Thread

Thanks to everyone who made the chat yesterday - it was a lot of fun. For those of you who couldn't make it, and would like to read the transcript, I do have it - I'm hoping it'll be up this weekend (I have to figure out how to paste it into blogger so it's easy to read). [Edited to Add: It's up at this location - I think you should all be able to open the Excel file, but if not, I'll still try to paste it onto the blog later]. [Arrgh, link no work! ]

I think it was going on two hours when I logged off from the chat, so we acquitted ourselves well. There might be whispers that I was a tease, but I tell you, I gave away all sorts of clues.... ;-)

The Mine to Possess Spoiler thread is also open. The link will be available over there on the sidebar --> until around the time of Dorian's book.

I think that's it from me. How's the week been for you all? Any plans for the weekend?

Reminder - Chat Today!

A reminder that we're chatting today.

Date/Time: Wednesday 20th / 8pm Eastern*
Location: The Knight Agency Chatroom

*For those of you in other timezones, here's a link to the worldclock. Eastern time is New York time. So when it's 8pm in NY, head on over to the chatroom.

Some housekeeping stuff:

• To keep things organized, the chat will be moderated. When you have a question, simply type a “?” and the moderator will keep a list and call on you when it is your turn. That way everyone gets a chance to ask what they want.

• Chat tips: When waiting on your turn, type your question in Word or another application so when it is your turn you only have to copy and paste. (Keeps the chat running smoothly)

• Click on any screen name in the list to open a Private Message conversation (a lot like AIM).

See you there! And I'll open the spoiler thread on the blog soon as the chat ends. :-)

Karen Templeton - Dear Santa

I really loved this book – emotion, heart, characters who seemed so incredibly real, it was all there. But I think what really made the book for me was Grant. He’s a great, great hero.

Here's the blurb for the book:

Grant Braeburn might be insanely rich, but emotionally, he’s bankrupt. No surprise, then, that his marriage failed...or that he’s somehow never really connected with his three-year-old daughter. Then his ex is killed in a car crash, leaving Grant a woefully inept single father. Haley will never want for anything material, but how on earth do you explain to a small child that she’ll never see Mommy again?

Desperate, he turns to Mia Vaccaro, Justine’s best friend and Haley’s “aunt”...even though he and Mia basically can’t stand each other. But the down-to-earth lawyer-turned-party planner will do anything to help the little girl she loves with all her heart, even if it means sharing a mansion with a man whose favorite beverage might as well be O positive...and who has a secret that could not only shatter Mia’s faith in her old friend, but, as Mia and Grant find common ground in their concern for a hurting, confused child, could destroy the future, as well.

When you start reading, you wonder that anyone can be so shut in, so unable to reach his own child, but then you get to know him along with the heroine and realize there’s a wonderful man inside.

This book popped on my radar because of this review at TGTBU – which review is much more in-depth and detailed than mine so check it out.

Great book. Two thumbs up. I’ll be hunting up more Karen Templeton books in the future. (This book kicks off a mini-series - book 2 is about Mia's brother).

How about you all? Read any books lately that you want to recommend?

Chat Details & Reader Interview: Karen

Okay, so I've finally got myself organized re the chat. Here are the details -if there are any changes, they'll be on the blog, so swing by here if you want to double check.

Wednesday 20th
8pm Eastern*
The Knight Agency Chat Room
*(that's 5pm Pacific and for any Kiwis, it's Thursday 2pm)

To get into the chat, just go to this link (http://client1.sigmachat.com/sc.pl?id=115545), enter a User Name of your choice and hit Login. Easy!

At the moment, I'll say the chat will go for an hour, but if you all have lots of questions, we'll extend it. :-) Just a reminder - this chat is for discussion of Mine to Possess & previous books in the series, so spoilers will be allowed. If you haven't read MtP yet, don't worry - I'll open the spoiler thread on the blog after the chat finishes and you can exchange comments with other readers there too.

Now, it's onto the reader interview! Today's interviewee is Karen (whose TBR pile sounds like mine!).

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

I'm an overworked college student who is currently working 25 hours, taking 13 credit hours, trying to transfer out of community college into a four year school AND trying to have a social life (sort of? My poor boyfriend…sometimes I just want to read, and he wants me to spend time with him!)

Oh yes, and of course I need to find time to read. How else am I going to blow off steam from all of this stress? On top of that my muse tends to be evil and keep me until the wee hours of the morning writing. It feels like writing is sometimes more necessary than breathing for me. Although my body tends to remind me that breathing is a habit it likes.

2. Are you a hoarder or do you give your books away?

*blushes* I AM a hoarder. However I am a sharing hoarder. When I read something I absolutely love, and just can't keep to myself I'll LOAN it to one of my bibliophile friends. Then we can talk about how awesome the book was, and if it's a series what the author is going to do next. My collection is somewhere between 300-500 books, but considering that space is limited right now it's about right. Oh man! I feel sorry for the poor man who ends up with me. I think he might be driven out by all the books…because I'm sure that when space isn't a problem anymore the books will be coming up like weeds then…(loveable dandelion weeds)

3. What author might tempt you into turning stalker?

This is a hard one. I love some many authors! I think I'd be tempted to stalk Richelle Mead because her writing is so awesome. (And she's a redhead who reminds me of one of my dear friends) Or maybe J.K. Rowling would be my stalked of choice. I'd like to debate the Harry Potter books. (I still disagree about Dumbledore being gay. It seems too patchy and thrown together. Why didn't he tell us himself?) And quite possible you…although New Zealand is very far away from Chicago… But that's why they invented planes, right?

4. How susceptible are you to chocolate?

Incredibly. *grins* I love chocolate at least as much as I love writing, and books, and maybe less than breathing (stupid pesky breathing.) I dunno what would win if I had to choose between good yummy chocolate and breathing. (Probably breathing, otherwise how would I enjoy the chocolate?) The best combination is probably good
chocolate+ good book+ comfy chair=happy me.

5. Favorite book? Why?

Aww damn, do I have to choose? It's so hard because I'll read a book I love, and then I'll read another book I love just as much or more. I think of the books that I keep coming back to it's a tie between Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chobsky, the Black Jewels Trilogy by Anne Bishop, and The Merlin Series by Mary Stewart. Oh yes, and Mr. Perfect by Linda Howard. It's only a four way tie. I love all of these books because of how well they're written, because I can identify with the characters, and because the authors just rock my world.

6. If you knew you were going to be stuck on a desert island, what three things would you take with you?

i. My boyfriend (or if I'm not currently in a relationship a sex slave) in order to you know have fun with…and that way he can do all the manual labor

ii. A book that will give you any story you want anytime. (Or an e-book reader, but I like paper books better...there's something about the way the pages feel in your hands versus looking at a screen... ) So if I want Black Jewels one day I have it, but if I want Slave to Sensation the next I have that too (Or if this has to be real…then a book, just don't ask me which one because I don't know.)

iii. Chocolate

7. What did you eat for breakfast?

I ate a slice of tombstone garlic pizza. It was yummy. (I'm weird and dislike breakfast foods, except for pancakes and waffles for like dinner.)

8. How many books in your current to-be-read pile?

Uhm, *looks side to side* would it seem bad if I told you I kind of lost count? The pile seems to be growing exponentially. I can't stop my fingers when they're at Amazon.com, and therefore I buy books much faster than I can read them.

9. Describe your idea of a perfect hero.

Someone who is happy with themselves and comfortable in their own skin is my idea of a perfect hero. That someone would also be able to love me (or the heroine) for who I am (or she is).

Extra Reader Submitted Questions

* Which character in a book do you relate most with?

I relate to Jaenelle in the Black Jewels trilogy. She went through hell with the abuse that happened to her, but she came back stronger for it. I really identify with heroines who have overcome abuse (of any kind) and are still willing to kick the bad guy's butt. I really believe strong women are whom I identify with most.

* Where do you live?

Chi-town, baby (otherwise known as Chicago)

* So what would people think was a perfect heroine?

Strong woman is the perfect heroine. I don't like wilting flowers that can't do anything for themselves. (Don't get me wrong I think the Changeling idea of the Mating Bond is kick-ass, but Sasha, Faith, and Brenna all had a fighting spirit to begin with…) I like women who can fight for what's right, who can defeat their demons and ultimately the "bad guy".

Lora Leigh's Reader Appreciation Weekend

Announcing the 2008
Lora Leigh
Reader Appreciation Weekend!

Friday September 19th to Sunday September 21st.

Join authors

Shayla Black ◊ Diane Whiteside
Veronica Chadwick ◊ Kay Stockham
Lorie O’Clare ◊ Lora Leigh
Lucy Monroe ◊ Shiloh Walker
J.R. Ward ◊ Sylvia Day/S.J. Day
Jacqueline Frank ◊ Kate Douglas
Nalini Singh ◊ Diane Castell
Jules Bennett ◊ Mary Wine/Dawn Ryder
Angela Knight ◊ Bianca D’Arc
Jasmine Haynes/Jennifer Skully/JB Skully
Delilah Devlin ◊ Donna MacMeans
MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED

RAW 2008 is an intimate event, limited to 250 attendees, providing plenty of face-to-face time for fans and authors.

The cost of RAW 2008 is the room rate, transportation if you choose to rent a car, and a $110 registration fee.

Each Raw participant receives a tote bag, t-shirt and much more!

Once your registration form and fee is received, you may then register your room at the Pullman Plaza Hotel, in beautiful down town Huntington and providing free shuttle service from Huntington Tri-State airport to the hotel. Room rates are $89 or less, depending on the room and if you share it.

You will need to reserve your room as soon as possible after February 16th at the hotel to assure you get the accommodations you require. You will pay for your room once you check in.

Pullman Plaza Hotel
1001 Third Avenue
Huntington, WV 25701
1-866-613-3611

Your Registration at RAW 2008 includes meals at the Friday night Slumber Party and Author Panel, the Saturday Masquerade Dance, as well as the Sunday Night Get-together for all of those staying over.

A good time will be had by all at the Masquerade Party on Saturday night. Wear a mask, a full costume, or come as you are, it’s up to you.

More information will be on the RAW 2008 Yahoo Group.

As RAW 2008 is limited to 250 guests to the main event, and 250 to the Masquerade on Saturday night, only, once the registration limit is reached, all mailed registrations over that limit will be returned to sender, unopened.

Register quickly and be a part of an exciting and personal author/reader event.

Registration forms and further information available on Lora Leigh's RAW 2008 Website ** Please be sure all registration forms are TYPEWRITTEN so they are legible.

Website Access

I've had a couple of readers unable to access the website. If you all have a sec, could you click on the link and see if you have any problems? Thanks muchly! :-)

Diamonds Down Under (Edited)

I'm guest-blogging over at the Diamonds Down Under blog - post now live! the post will go live just after midnight today (a couple of hours after the time of this post). We're going to be discussing series - swing by and say hi, drop your name into the hat for a giveaway. :-)

Hope you're all having a great weekend!

Fantabulous February

I hope you all had a wonderful day yesterday, however you chose to spend it. I had a great, great, great, day! Because...

Mine to Possess hit the NYT Extended list for the second week in a row, moving up to #29!!

AND

It also hit the USA Today Bestseller list at #101!!

A big, ginormous thank you to everyone who's supported the series. You guys are the best. :-)

I declare today Happy Newsies day. So, spread the joy - share something that made you happy this week. Anything at all!!

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day from New Zealand!

My gift to you - gingerbread men!! (All credit for finding this goes to Courtney - thanks for the smile! :))



(The dance is the haka - type it into YouTube to see clips of the non-bakery goods version.)

Anthology News!

More good news! I've been invited to be part of a rockin' anthology next year. Who else is in it? Why, some of my favorite people!

Yippee!

Ebooks, Links, Updates & Mine to Possess Chat

First up - if you've been by the website, you'll know that BooksOnBoard is currently running a promotion on all my titles in ebook format. They've now increased the discount offered to 28% off the Publisher's List price - just input NaliniOnBoard as your promo code on checkout. :-)

TGTBU is currently running a Valenduckie week. Lots of prizes and fun posts themed around Valentine's Day, so check it out.

Re the chat/discussion of Mine to Possess & the series in general: we've settled on Wednesday, Feb the 20th. I'm thinking later in the day/eveningish would probably suit everyone best. Let me know if you agree/disagree. If you can't make the chat, don't worry. I'll open up a spoiler thread on the blog on the same date.

Also, I haven't forgotten about the Reader Interviews! I've got some great ones ready to post - I'm thinking I might do a couple back to back so we can get all caught up.

Happy Tuesday!

Angels' Blood, Mercy's Book & Conferences

I finished inputting my changes into this draft of Angels' Blood over the weekend, and I'm now fiddling with Mercy's book. I think this one is going to burn up the pages. Just saying... ;)

And, I don't know if I've mentioned this but I'll be at RAW 2008 - it's a weekend (19 - 21 Sep) for readers to get together with writers, and there's a great list of authors coming. There may be some changes to what's up on the website at the moment (hold off on booking rooms yet - some important info coming soon), but registration's open, so check it out.

I'll also be at RWA's San Francisco Conference. Every year, there's a huge open book signing session, to fundraise for literacy - this year's will be on July 30th, 5.30-7.30 p.m.

So, what've you all been up to? Read anything good over the weekend?

Mine to Possess Spoiler Thread

This is the thread where you can freely discuss Mine to Possess and the previous books in the Psy/Changeling series. *SPOILERS* allowed, so if you haven't read MtP yet, click away! This link will take you back to the main blog.

So, if you're sure this is where you want to be....let the discussion begin!

Also, if you're looking for the Caressed By Ice Spoiler thread, follow the link.

For those of you who aren't bloggers, you can still comment - just choose the Anonymous option and sign off the comment with your name if you'd like folks to know who you are.

NB: I might pop in now and then as time allows, but this is really for readers. If there are specific questions you want to ask me, email's better. Have fun!

Priceless

Amount of work done in past 48 hours: Does work include bouncing up and down and giggling like maniac? (But a happy maniac).

Number of times looking at printout of New York Times list to make sure I hadn't had a very long and vivid hallucination: 100/per hour

Number of exclamation marks used: So many that I think I've run out. <-- Look, no exclamation mark...wait I found a secret stash!

Number of times I've thought the reading / writing community is made up of a lot of fabulous, wonderful people - uncountable.

You guys are just the coolest - thank you to everyone who's celebrated with me! (That conga line is rockin'). You've made this just so extra special. :-)

Normal blog operations (or as normal as it gets!) will resume Monday. Have a great weekend, everyone!

NYT!!!!

Mine to Possess

NYT Extended List!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

#32!!!!!!

Chat/Discussion?

I've had a few requests about discussing Mine to Possess. I'm going to open a spoiler thread on the blog for it in a couple of weeks (I want to give everyone a chance to read it first). But I was also thinking we could have a chat session in a couple of weeks to discuss MtP & the series. Let me know what you guys think.

Updates, Be My Valentine & OOTB Tour: Midnight Reign - Chris Marie Green

I'm still grinning over the news from yesterday - and if you haven't joined the conga line yet, why not?! It's back to work today (even if I'm bouncing around with excitement). I've done a complete edit of Angels Blood on paper, so I'm entering changes now.

I've also got a contest link and an OOTB book tour for you.

First up, Nicola Marsh's Be My Valentine giveaway is still going strong and I'll be the featured author today, so swing by and throw your name into the hat for a prize.

Onto the book tour! Isn't that a stunning cover? And the trailer is just wicked! My heart is pounding! (Make sure to turn up the sound).
________________

MIDNIGHT REIGN
Chris Marie Green

Chris Marie Green also writes as Crystal Green for Silhouette Special Edition and Harlequin Blaze. MIDNIGHT REIGN is book two of the Vampire Babylon series, following NIGHT RISING, Book One.




Reviews:

“An exciting, high tension horror thriller with enough unresolved trust and family issues to make it credible, a hint of romance for spice and a bit of black humor to lighten up the often dark tone, this is a nicely conceived modern vampire tale that will keep readers guessing. The conclusion is certain to leave fans anxiously awaiting the final installment.”

- MonstersandCritics.com

“MIDNIGHT REIGN VAMPIRE BABYLON BOOK 2 is a powerhouse of emotions and revelations…. This story grabbed me and wouldn’t let go until I finished it. Now I have to find out how it all ends. Don’t miss this one. You won’t be sorry. “

- Chere Gruver, PNR

Release! Mine to Possess

Mine to Possess is officially out!!!!!!!!!

And do I have some awesome news to share - MtP has already hit #12 on the Borders/Waldenbooks Romance MM list & #25 on their Overall Mass Market list!!

I think I need some cool dancing smilies! It's time to celebrate! (And use exclamation marks with wild abandon).

Who wants to join the conga line? How long do you think we can make it?!

Contest Winners

And the moment you've been waiting for....the winners of the two contests! Both were picked using a random number generator. Who did the numbers choose?

The Fab 5 of Feb 5

This turned into a really cool contest thanks to your wonderful, imaginative answers - I hope you all had fun playing with me and the rest of the Fab 5 of Feb 5!

The random winner was Janet H (who would've chosen to be a sorceress!)
Prize: A copy of An Enchanted Season

________________________________

The Mine to Possess Hot Men Contest

There were so many fabulous entries for this contest. Thank you to all of you who participated by sharing your hottest fictional men. I'm planning to do a post rounding up all the entries so everyone can go and drool over these luscious men. I wish I could give away more prizes, but as the Highlander would say, "There can be only one."

The random winner was Aymless
Prize: US$50 Amazon voucher plus a cute MtP Teaser Prize Pack

Congratulations! Please email me at nalinisinghwrites @ gmail.com so we can get the prizes out to you.

Update on Contests & Interview

Both the Mine To Possess Hot Men Contest & the Fab 5 of Feb 5 contests are now closed. I'm hoping to announce the winners in a post later today or early tomorrow.

Until then, check out this fun interview I did with Jill Myles of The League of Reluctant Adults.

Hope you all had a good weekend!

Contest: The Fab Five of Feb 5!

Contest Now Closed

As you *might* know, I have a book releasing February 5.

For those of you new to my books - Mine to Possess is about a dark, dangerous leopard shapeshifter, Clay, and Tally, a human female with a past inextricably entertwined with Clay's. Their story is very raw, very emotional, and I think you'll love it *grin* Follow the link to read excerpts and find out more.

But, I'm not the only one with a book out on Feb 5. Fellow Berkley authors Meljean Brook, Jaci Burton, Joey Hill & Dakota Cassidy, also have releases on that date. Between the five of us, we've cooked up a round robin interview and contest.

There are five interview questions. Each one of us is hosting the answer to one question, and doing a giveaway in connection with it! So that equals five chances to win stuff! Here's the question I'm hosting.

QUESTION 2: If you could have any paranormal power in the universe/be any kind of paranormal creature, what would you choose?

And the answers!

Jaci Burton ~ Riding Wild: Invisibility. Oh the conversations I could eavesdrop on! I could become a gossip columnist, and then I'd be right all the time. And famous. *grin*

Meljean Brook ~ Demon Night: I'd want incredible luck, because it gives you wonderful opportunities, but you don't ever earn anything that's not yours (I don't handle guilt well). I'd win the lottery, but still write and my writing will still have to be good to be published. I'd win vacations, but I'd still have to put myself out there to enjoy them. I'd be lucky enough to meet a great guy (and it was pure luck that let me meet that special one) but I would still have to work to make the relationship last. A charmed life would be a very, very good life.

Either that, or I'd be Superman, and use my powers to take over the world (a world where everyone lurves romance. *g*)

Dakota Cassidy ~ The Accidental Werewolf: I call vampire. Though, if folklore is true, I wouldn't be indulging in French fries, but I think it's a fair swap for not aging. It would mean I'd get to be 41 forevah. Oh, wait... I might have to take that back--if I was going to choose to be a vampire--I'd much rather it was at the age of say, 21 when my butt was much perkier :)

Joey Hill ~ The Mark of the Vampire Queen: Aw, Dakota took my answer for paranormal power – I mean, as a vampire I’d never have to worry about weight, crow’s feet… Of course, supposedly nothing but blood would ever taste good, and I would REALLY miss chocolate. Chocolate versus immortality… I never realized that would be a deal breaker, but I think it is… When they have those books where the vampire gets tediously angsty about how much his immortality, drop-dead gorgeousness and superhuman strength sucks for him, he should REALLY be focusing on the loss of chocolate. Or for a guy, it might be pizza… So then I thought – invisibility, and darn, but Jaci got that one, too – I swear, this is what happens when you drag your butt and turn in your questions last. I’d want that because I’m such a huge coward and would like to be able to disappear from the most frightening things in life – psycho serial kidnappers, social engagements… So let’s see, what’s left? I think I’d like to be a mermaid. I love the water, particularly the ocean, and considering 70% of the world’s surface is water, I can only imagine what wonderful things you’d discover if you had the ability to go as deeply into that world as you wished. And according to the fairy tale, you live about 300 years, so that wouldn’t be bad.

Nalini Singh ~ Mine to Possess: I'm fascinated by pychic abilities - I'm sure this comes as a big surprise since I write about the Psy *grin* - I think I'd like to have a strong ability in that area. Perhaps telepathy. But controllable. I don't want to go crazy listening to a million conversations.

I'd also like to fly. So I'd be a winged telepath!

Giveaway: I'm giving away a signed copy of An Enchanted Season (if you've already got that, we'll work out a substitution), and the other authors are giving away great prizes of their own.

To enter, just leave a comment before Sunday Feb 3, Noon, PST, with your answer to the same question - what paranormal ability would you like?

And don't forget to visit the other four authors (Meljean, Jaci, Joey & Dakota) to enter their contests and read the answers to the other questions!

Keepers & Book Binge (Link fixed!)

I'm over at Dionne Galace talking about Keeper books, so swing by and tell me some of yours. And I'm still over at Book Binge so there's time to ask questions!

Also, the Feb 1 contest I promoed will go live at 1pm PST, which is less than an hour from the time of this post!

Q&A and Reviews

I'm answering questions over at Book Binge today, so if you've got something you want to ask me, here's your chance! (Of course, I can't promise I'll answer all the questions *grin*)

~

Mine to Possess has been getting some amazing reviews - I just have to share!

"What makes this story so compelling is that each of them is completely individual, while still being shaped and influenced by their nature. And the intimacy between them, that was amazing."

Read full review at Rosario's Reading Journal

"What I like most about these alphas is not only their protectiveness, their hardness, but also their sensitive side that always come through in dealing with their mates.This series has become an all-time favorite. The writing is as fresh as ever."

Read the full review at TGTBU (Sandy M's Review)

"I had tears at the end. The characters are alive and the dialogue sparkles."

Read the full review at TGTBU (Alicia's Review)

"I devoured this book. While I always had faith in Nalini Singh’s ability to draw me into the story, I was unsure of her ability to make me love a human heroine...I should never have doubted Nalini’s ability to make me love this heroine. Tally was exactly the type of woman that Clay needed."

Read the full review at Book Binge

"Singh has done it again. MINE TO POSSESS grabs you and never lets you go. This may be the best book of an already outstanding series."

Read the full review at Fresh Fiction

"As readers I believe we are carried through stories by strong characters, and Tally and Clay are instantly compelling, hauling us along on their engrossing tale....Their story packs a powerful emotional punch from the first pages right through to the end. I believed I would be able to read a few chapters and put it aside. I read the entire book in one day."

Read the full review at author Saskia Walker's blog

"I devoured this book in about two hours...Once again Nalini Singh has taken us to new parts of the Psy-Changeling universe and shown us new heights and depths of emotion. Love, honor, emotion and coming to terms with decisions and events of the past to go on to a new future."

Read the full review at Realms of the Raven

"The emotions and chemistry of the characters brings tears of sadness and joy, laughter and lots of very breathlessly romantic moments. This is a highly action packed and sensual thriller, deep and intense, you will not be able to put it down!"

Read the full review at PNR